Where Can I Find Information on Pursuing a Master's in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the process of pursuing a Master's degree in physics or engineering, particularly for international students. Participants explore the differences between Master's and Ph.D. programs, the application process, and considerations for financial aid.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to gather information on pursuing a Master's degree in physics or engineering in the USA or Europe, specifically regarding application processes and financial aid.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of pursuing a Master's degree before a Ph.D., suggesting that this is a misconception held by some international students.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the differences between Master's and Ph.D. programs, indicating a belief that a Master's is typically required before a Ph.D. in Europe, but not necessarily in the USA.
  • There is mention of financial fellowships being available for Ph.D. applicants that may not be accessible to Master's students.
  • A suggestion is made to refer to a specific sticky thread for additional information on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of a Master's degree before pursuing a Ph.D., with some asserting that it is not required in the USA, while others believe it is a common pathway in Europe. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for international students.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about educational pathways and financial aid availability, which may vary by institution and country.

sowhkdnaud
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Hi guys,
I started studying physics in my sophomore year in college (which I just finished).
I am taking classes like optics and relativity next year, and as I will be already Junior next year, I have been trying to gather some information about master's degree in physics or engineering in USA or in Europe, if they use English in the classes (I am an international student).

My plan is to graduate college with B.S. in physics and get a Master's in physics or engineering. But I am not sure from where to start this process - what aspects to look for when choosing universities, what things to do to get ready to apply for good schools, and whether they give FA to students studying for M.S.

I had searched online for a bit but could not really get information from the people who went through this, so I thought it is best to post a thread on this forum. If you have studied physics and went through this phase, know someone went through this process, or know a website that has this information, please kindly share your information.

Thanks so much in advance!
 
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Is there a reason why you are aiming just for a Masters degree?

Many international students have this false impression that one needs to go for a Masters Degree first before pursuing a PhD degree in the US. This is untrue.

Zz.
 
Thanks for the reply Zz.

I am a total novice to pro-undergraduate process.
Could you explain to me the difference between master's program and Ph.D?
I thought one has to go through Master's program before pursuing Ph.D.

So if I want to pursue Ph.D at Yale University in Physics or Engineering, I apply for Ph.D program right after undergraduate and I would be considered for their financial fellowships for entire period of time me being there, which are not available for students pursuing master's program?

Thanks in advance Zz.

Sung
 
sowhkdnaud said:
Could you explain to me the difference between master's program and Ph.D?
Tadaah!

sowhkdnaud said:
I thought one has to go through Master's program before pursuing Ph.D.
This is true for most degrees in Europe. In the USA, it's not.
 
Read ZapperZ's sticky thread at the top of the forum.
 

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